Safeco Auto Insurance: A New Breed Of Insurance Company

For many years the growing insurance industry was not very eclectic or eccentric in its practices. The leading companies stayed well within the lines, with everything dotted, crossed, and pretty much the same. But the winds of change were beginning to move, and not in the way most would have assumed. The Safeco auto insurance company was soon to be born.

Way Back When...

Hawthorne Dent was quite possibly the kind of man who would have not only stared down the barrel of a gun, but he probably would have laughed hysterically. Was he crazy? Was this just another thrill-seeking dare devil? In the business world he might as well have been. Hawthorne Dent was a seasoned insurance executive who saw a need for change within the industry he worked for so many years. In 1923 Dent opened the doors to what would later be known as Safeco auto and fire insurance.

He burst out of the gate defying the normal and standard insurance practices by creating a company owned by the people that also took risks by underwriting policies for the people. He also broke even further from tradition by setting up shop in Seattle instead of the East Coast.

What sets Safeco auto insurance apart from the rest? They were really the first to offer cost effective insurance policies and unbelievable customer service when everyone else in the business said they would not last. Apparently the popular mode of thinking was that a decent auto insurance policy needed to take a sizeable slice out of your paycheck in order to be good. This is where Safeco auto insurance was vastly different; you got to keep your arms, both legs, and all of your fingers and toes.

Originally known as General Insurance Company, obtaining an auto insurance policy from Safeco was fast, inexpensive, and with the kind of personal interaction and attention that customers should have been experiencing all along. Safeco auto insurance was definitely the little tug boat that could. With the company gaining a solid niche in the business world on the western side of the country, their name officially changed to Selective Auto and Fire Insurance Company of America. This was shortened to the acronym Safeco.

Safeco is a thriving giant in the insurance industry today. There have been some ups and downs, and some changes to the inner workings of the company. But the original spirit of Hawthorne Dent remains; putting the people first. The customer has been, and will continue to be the top priority.

Getting the Most for Your Money with an Auto Insurance Online Quote

Getting an auto insurance online quote may seem intimidating at first and, it is something that is easy to put off, especially if a person already has an auto insurance provider. Sometimes it just seems easier to pay the bill when it comes due than to evaluate ones’ auto insurance. This method may be less-difficult in the short-term, but getting an auto insurance online quote can save a person and his or her family a significant amount of money, time and heartache in the long run.

Where to Start

When looking for an auto insurance online quote, it may be tempting to jump right on the Internet. Prior to doing this, it is important to understand your current auto insurance and the coverage it provides. There are a few areas to look at, first of all take a look at your liability coverage. This will appear as certain limits listed similar too $25,000/$50,000/$25,000. There are certain minimum limits this section must meet which are determined by state law.

Secondly, a person should look at their comprehensive and collision limits. Some people opt for liability-only coverage (as listed above) however; these only cover the damage to other individuals’ property. If comprehensive and collision coverage is existing in a current plan, the limits will look something like $500/$500 in the plan. Essentially the deductible listed will be the amount the insured has to pay for damages that are covered by comprehensive or collision while the insurance company pays the rest up to predetermined limits.

Next, it is important to look for certain optional coverage a plan may have. Items such as rental car reimbursement and tow coverage or roadside assistance coverage are important to note. The limits of these items should also be noted and included in any auto insurance online quote as they can make a significant difference in pricing.

Medical coverage can also make a difference in your rates; however the requirements vary from state to state so it is important to check your current policy to clarify your coverage.

What to Look For

Once a person has his or her current coverage amounts they are equipped to get an auto insurance online quote. This will allow them to be able to compare rates with their current provider, while having most or all of the variables the same, as these differences in coverage amounts can make a large difference in rates. There are many different websites that offer to quote rates from multiple providers which can be helpful and save time.

Another thing to consider when shopping for an auto insurance online quote is the insurance company. It is important to not only ensure the rates are low, but also that the provider offers the level of service and amenities that are important to the insurance shopper.

How Auto Insurance Specialists Help You Understand Your Coverage

Wading through the murky world of insurance is challenging at best, and can be very frustrating at worst. Auto insurance in particular can be challenging as it varies quite a bit from state to state, and the optional and required coverage types can be complex.

Sources of Auto Insurance Specialists

The first group of people that may come to mind when consider ones’ options for auto insurance specialists is likely his or her insurance agent and their staff. There are both benefits and drawbacks to using your agent and his or her staff as your main source of insurance knowledge, depending on what you currently need the auto insurance specialists for.

Other groups of auto insurance specialists that may be helpful (depending on the situation) are competing company specialists and independent specialists. Competing company specialists will not be difficult to find in the auto insurance industry; independent specialists may be easiest to find through a state agency or online.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Your Agent as a Specialist

A persons’ agent and his or her staff can be a wonderful source of auto insurance information. They have access to all of your information and they have the ability to explain exactly what your current insurance covers and what it doesn’t. They also have the ability to change your coverage quickly if you decide to make adjustments.

However, there are a few drawbacks to using your agent and his or her staff as your only source of auto insurance specialists. If you are curious about how competitive your rates are with your current provider, your agent may not be the best person to ask. In this case, speaking with the competition may be the best place to start.

Finding the Right Specialist for Your Needs

Finding the right auto insurance specialists for your current need is the first step to solving your auto insurance issues. In many cases, you may need to speak with multiple specialists. For example, if a person is trying to make sure his or her current auto insurance rates are competitive, that person may start by speaking with his or her agent to gain a solid understanding of the current coverage. Then the insured is able to compare rates with competing insurance companies. He or she will also be able to research independently, either online or by speaking directly with independent specialists, whether or not his or her current coverage is appropriate.

Insuring With Auto Owners Insurance

Auto Owners Insurance has been in the insurance business since the early 1900’s. They are known to be a great company offering terrific service for all of their customers. Over the years the company has grown in size and has become well experienced and efficient in the insurance industry. There are many good reasons to insure with Auto Owners Insurance.

Core Values Of Auto Owners Insurance

Auto Owners Insurance runs on the basis of ten core values which they impress on all their employees, representatives and their customers. The ten values, honesty, loyalty, prudence, hard work, the team, relationships, opportunities for associates, the customer, stability & consistency, and profit form the basis for the standards the company strives to achieve and maintain. The company stands behind their commitment to be one of the best in the insurance industry.

Convenient Customer Service From Auto Owners Insurance

Auto Owners Insurance group uses the great advantage of the independent insurance agent to provide convenient customer service. They are represented by over 5,900 agencies in twenty five states and have 72 claims service offices. This allows the customer to have an agent close by that can help them with any need and who will know and understand their personal situation. Being able to use the independent insurance agent, the customer is dealing with their neighbor in their own city.

Other Benefits With Auto Owners Insurance

Auto Owners Insurance group has great rates that are highly competitive in the insurance business. They have many discounts for their customers which make the rates even more affordable. They have several multi-plan and multi-person discounts available. Auto Owners Insurance offers policies for auto, home, life and several other areas. When a customer purchases policies in more than one of these areas they will receive discounted pricing. The customer can meet all their insurance needs through one agent and can receive reduced rates. This is a great benefit.

Because of Auto Owners Insurance group vast experience and reputation for excellence any person purchasing insurance through this company can be confident they are getting value for their money. To find an agent a customer can visit Auto Owners Insurance web site and receive information for an agent in their area. This agent can assist the customer in acquiring all the pertinent information to begin their relationship with Auto Owners Insurance. The process will be quickly and easily handled with the experienced agent and the expertise of Auto Owners Insurance.

Great Insurance With Geico Auto Insurance

Geico auto insurance is well known for their humorous television commercials. Between the gecko and the cavemen watching commercials on television has become a more pleasant experience. The customers of Geico auto insurance know that the commercials are only the beginning of a very pleasant experience with the insurance industry. Geico is a great company that provides great insurance.

History Of Geico Auto Insurance

In the midst of the Great Depression Leo and Lillian Goodwin began the Governmental Employees Insurance Company to provide insurance to select groups of people which allowed the company to offer lower rates and better service. The company rapidly became successful and over the years with the influence of several investors gradually expanded the customer base and the coverage provided.

In 2006 Geico grew to having over seven million policyholders. The company prides itself on continued growth by being committed to excellent coverage, low prices, and outstanding customer service. Customers know that Geico auto insurance continues to provide optimal insurance emulating the history of the company.

Great Service From Geico Auto Insurance

Geico offers twenty-four hour, seven day a week customer service through their excellent phone customer service or online at geico.com. No matter what the issue is, the customer can get help from Geico auto insurance any time of day. All the customer service agents cheerfully offer support, care and concern for the customers needs. Geico employees are also always looking for ways to help the customer save money by reviewing the available discounts the customer may be able to take advantage of.

If there needs to be a claim made, the geico claims department will work quickly to provide all the necessary services associated with the claim. The first concern will always be for the customer and any other individuals involved in any incident. A customer will truly know and feel that the Geico auto insurance company cares about them.

Great Rates From Geico Auto Insurance

Geico prides itself on low prices for their customers without sacrificing great service. There are still several specific groups of people that will receive discount because of their group association. For example, military members can receive insurance discounts for all their insurance needs through Geico. There is a long list of groups which geico provides discounted pricing for and any prospective customer just needs to call Geico to find out if they will qualify for a discount. Even if there is not a discount group for the customer the low prices geico offers are still highly competitive and considering the great customer service are exceptional rates. Purchasing insurance through Geico auto insurance will be a great choice.

How to Find the Right Auto Insurance in California

The fact that California is well known for congested traffic, high accident counts and a ridiculous amount of commute time, means good auto insurance in California is crucial. Without it, you run the risk of needing repairs due to accidents that aren’t covered, or big gaps in the auto coverage itself.

When it comes to choosing auto insurance in California, it’s important to know exactly what you’re looking for in the coverage. Start by making a comprehensive list of the things you should find out from a California auto insurance company before deciding to do business with them. Something you’ll want to keep in mind when making the list is what kind of auto insurance you are looking for.

For example if you drive a new vehicle that you make payments on, you’ll be required to purchase full auto insurance coverage which will cover both you and the other party, if an accident were to happen that was found to be your fault.

If the car you drive is not new and/or you own the vehicle outright, you have the option of choosing simple liability auto insurance for the State of California. This coverage would insure the driver of a vehicle you had an accident with and was deemed your fault, but would not cover your own vehicle under any circumstance.

The benefit of having liability auto insurance is the fact that it’s less expensive than full coverage. On the other hand, you’ll have to make a decision on whether or not your vehicle is worth more than what you’d pay for full insurance. While full coverage is more expensive than liability coverage, it can save you a lot of money in the end if you’re vehicle is worth more than what you pay for the full auto coverage.

Now What?

After making a list of your needs and preferences in an insurance company, comparison shop until you’ve narrowed down 3-4 of your favorite options. The state of California has many auto insurance options, so make sure not to settle. Once you’ve narrowed the playing field, find review website for insurance companies to find out what others have to say about the service. Websites like www.carreview.com can offer you valuable information for auto insurance in many states, including California. Other websites like www.carinsurance.com can offer different quotes from insurance companies, making it easier to comparison shop.

Commercial Auto Insurance Companies

Everyone who drives understands that they must be insured to be able to legally drive. Some people might consider getting commercial auto insurance if they own a business and have employees that drive company vehicles. For a small business owner, it might not be feasible to have commercial auto insurance if the only car driven is ones personal car. An exception to this is if the owner drives for work many miles each week. It might be better to insure the car in the company name and not the individual’s name. This makes it easier when calling in a claim. As companies grow, it is most likely for them to need commercial auto insurance.

There are a few things to think about when it comes to getting the right insurance. A good insurance agent will ask a lot of questions in order to get the best and safest insurance available. While the major parts of insurance are the same, the business insurance is a little more technical because of certain liabilities that one must take into consideration. Instead of one person driving their own car, there are multiple drivers driving for the company. This means that the commercial auto insurance company has to consider the company itself and the driver of the company and the driver of the other vehicle.

Companies That Offer Commercial Auto Insurance

There are a lot of companies that offer commercial auto insurance. Some are large enough to offer the insurance as a total package of other insurance needs. The Hartford is one such company that can bundle all of a companies needs including commercial auto insurance.

Another large insurance company that specializes in bundling up all of their services is Liberty Mutual. The best way to find out about any of these companies is to call an agent or email the company that will get back to the owner. Without the insurance companies help it can be confusing and worrying. The insurance company should be able to provide understandable information and a written quote for the business owner.

Commercial auto insurance shouldn’t be a chore. Ask as many questions as need to asked and make sure that the insurance company asks as many or more questions about the company considering commercial auto insurance. The very best thing that a business owner can do is to get the insurance that meets their needs. Good commercial auto insurance will allow the business to grow without worrying about the coverage that protects the company vehicles, the people that use them and the company.